Steps to Prevent Accidental Drowning – Texas Swim Academy

Swimming is great fun in the sun, but drowning presents a real danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children age 1 to 14 years, and the fifth leading cause for people of all ages. Here are a few steps to ensure your safety, whether you’re enjoying your own pool or a day at the beach, to help prevent accidental drowning.

• Learn how to swim. According to a study cited by the CDC, “participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% among young children aged 1 to 4 years, who are at the greatest risk of drowning. Children can begin formal swim lessons at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports formal swimming lessons as early as one year of age.
• Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). CPR can save a victim’s life. The sooner administered the better.
• Supervise. A trusted adult should be at arm’s length from swimmers at all times, particularly children under age 5. Lifeguards are a help, but many drowning victims are noticed by bystanders or supervising adults.
• Fence in home pool areas. Pools should be fenced in on all sides, so as to be inaccessible to young children. Gates should be at least 4 ft high, as well as self-closing and self-latching. Alarms to alert parents or caregivers when someone enters the pool area are also helpful.
• Store toys. After play time, remove all toys from the pool area and store out of sight so that children will not be tempted to go into the pool area unsupervised.
• Never swim alone. Swimmers of all ages should employ the buddy system.
• Keep rescue equipment nearby.
• Use life vests. Toys, Noodles, or other air-filled swimming aids should not be used as substitutes for life jackets.
• Educate young swimmers. Remind children to check for depth markers and not swim in the deep end of pools. Encourage them to walk, not run, in pool areas and to refrain from pushing or dunking others.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Watch for lightning or other conditions that may make swimming unsafe.
• Avoid alcohol. Remain alert to ensure everyone’s safety. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children or while swimming, boating, or water-skiing.

Resources on Preventing Accidental Drowning:
Water-Related Injuries Facts – Home and Recreational Safety – Injury Center  
Drowning Risks in Natural Water Settings  
Stay Safe In and Around Swimming Pools
KidsHealth  
Pool Safety for Children  
USA Swimming The Benefits of Swimming

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.